CHRISTMAS PEPPERMINT TOPIARY

Holiday Topiary, perfect for a centerpiece on the dessert table...

Last year we had a big family Christmas party. We bought gifts for all the kids and they opened them together. It was a lot of fun. I went all out with the decorations and baked about 10 different desserts. Of course, we needed a separate dessert table for all those goodies. So, I wanted a new centerpiece for this table. Since this party was geared towards family, particularly the kids, I wanted something that was not too fancy and maybe had a touch of whimsy too. Something the kids would like also! I got out the cranberries and Starlight Peppermints and started gluing. The above topiary is what I came up with! #christmascenterpiece

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

Pre-made Topiary form (you can find these at any craft store)

Cranberries (dried)

Starlight Peppermint Candies

Burlap Ribbon

Twine

Moss (dried)

Scissors

Glue Gun

DIRECTIONS:
Glue a line of cranberries down the center of the topiary (this will set your center of the design)

-Alternate Peppermint rows with Cranberry rows. Do this twice.-Place 4 Peppermints in center of one side.-Fill in around the 4 Peppermints with Cranberries.-Repeat on the other side.-Wind Twine around Stem of Topiary, gluing every 1/2".-Glue Cranberries on top of "pot".-Glue a small amount of moss at top and bottom of trunk/stem of topiary.-Wrap Burlap Ribbon around pot base. Tuck underneath pot and glue, making sure to keep it flat and neat so the pot stands up correctly.-Tie a piece of twine and make a bow around pot. Tack down with glue so it looks neat.-Tuck moss between pot and ribbon and glue lightly.-Enjoy your new centerpiece!

Nicole F. Cox is a loom knitting pattern designer, author, blogger and professional photographer. She is considered a loom knitting expert and is the author of Round Loom Knitting in 10 Easy Lessons. You can find her designs on www.thismomentisgood.com, as well as Etsy and Ravelry. She is also a dedicated blogger of free loom knitting patterns and tutorials.